Hockey Pick 'Em
Wesway
Stride Orthopaedics & Footwear
Bloomers and the Brownhouse Chocolates
Gargoyle's Grille & Ale
Opinion
Click here to see more
Subscribe

Community Calendar
Click here for full listings.

Poll
There are now plans for at least four new hotels in Thunder Bay. Do you feel we need that many?



Total Votes: 300
View Results Past Polls

Survey
Surveys are not available.
Email
2012-02-21 at 11:41

Mac's responds

Tom Moher, VP of Operations – Mac’s Convenience St
Need Xtra Cash? Visit Xtra Cash!For payday advances and cheque cashing, there's no better option than XTRA CASH! Best rates, no holds, and instant Cash! Two convenient locations on Dawson, and on Frederica.Click here for full list of services.

Crime in our community in Thunder Bay is something we can all agree needs the close attention of politicians, police, businesses and neighbourhoods.   In recent months, there has been increased awareness of the problem in Thunder Bay as many local businesses have fallen victim to robberies. 

Several Mac’s stores have, unfortunately, been some of those affected. 

Because we’re a sizable employer and have a large presence in Thunder Bay, we think it’s important to tell people in the community what we’re doing to prevent crime in and around our stores and keep Mac’s a safe and welcoming place to shop.
We pride ourselves on offering our neighbours a safe and convenient shopping experience. 

Thousands of people visit our stores each day in Thunder Bay and we serve the population of the City many times over each year.  The safety of our customers and employees in our stores is a top priority for Mac’s. 

We’ve gone to great lengths and have invested heavily in safety and security – in fact, the Ontario Provincial Police has modeled its retail crime prevention program (SafeGuard Ontario) after our approach. 

Crime prevention starts with the way we design each store.   Mac’s follows a proven approach of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – it’s a practice were the physical design inside and outside of the store is tailored to make it unattractive for thieves.  We follow that up with crime deterrence features including:

  • Keeping windows free of excessive posters or signs to allow for unobstructed views
  • Ensuring stores are well-lit, both inside and out
  • Keeping stores neat and clean
  • High definition closed-circuit DVR surveillance systems, supported by a live video monitoring room
  • Encouraging police to frequent stores
  • Keeping little cash on-hand, and emptying cash registers not in use

But the most important safety feature is the effort we place on training our employees to be observant of suspicious behaviour, and how to stay safe should an incident occur. 

There’s no theft or robbery that’s worth risking injury to prevent. Employee safety is the watchword. Employees are trained to call the police and be good witnesses.

Despite all that we do, crime remains a problem in Thunder Bay that needs the close attention of our local, provincial and federal elected officials. 

Mac’s is ready to work alongside them as we already do with positive programs for youth, to tackle this problem – not just in our stores, but for the neighbourhoods we serve.



Tom Moher,
Vice President of Operations,
Mac’s Convenience Stores, Central Canada
 

Click here to report a typo or error

Tbnewswatch.com(50)

Comments

We've improved our comment system.
westfort resident says:
I won't be frequenting any Mac's stores until bullet proof barriers are put in place. Just today, I contacted a dozen others to boycott all Mac's. We are all in agreement. So, Tom Moher, your company has lost 13 customers today alone.

I encourage others to boycott and petition Mac's, too. Since all they care about is money, hit them in the pocketbook. Once the franchisees see their profits fall, head office will have to step up to renew customer confidence or close. Complaining here and amongst ourselves gets nothing done. Send them an email, letter, fax, phone them. Boycott Mac's.
2/21/2012 12:15:01 PM
calvin15 says:
I've said this before....Mac's first concern in not employee safety....it is profit....do some of these stores need to be open 24 hours...no of course not....the lowly paid employee is cheap security for them...no huge property loss or damage from a break and enter....besides the employee can clean and restock the store...every once in awhile they hand over a small amount of cash to a robber...I began to boycott the Mac's stores months ag...I suggest more do the same.
2/21/2012 2:11:32 PM
Mac's Convenience Stores says:
We understand your frustration and concern with this issue. We're very concerned about the crime issue too. We've even enhanced our safety and security measures in Thunder Bay beyond our industry-leading practices at our other stores in Ontario.

The Ontario Provincial Police modeled their retail theft prevention program off our approach. You can see more about it here:
And we're not resting at that. We are always looking for workable solutions to do even more.

Ultimately we think the solution to the crime problem in Thunder Bay lies within government and the community, and we’re ready to work with all our elected representatives to help however we can.
2/21/2012 3:16:34 PM
sandstorm says:
so your saying going above and beyond for security is adding a marked vehicle that travels around the city and checks up on the Macs? .. wow.. where was this "security guard" this past weekend? maybe at one of the other 12 stores open at night... dumb.
2/21/2012 4:38:58 PM
mad dog says:
'Ultimately we think the solution to the crime problem in Thunder Bay lies within government and the community'.

It's pretty hard to find a solution when their is cowardly leadership from high ranking officials in thunder bay who are walking on eggshells afraid to ruffle any feathers.

This includes the media, politicians, some high ranking police officials, social workers, judges, lawyers, and the bs organization known as the CCLA.

Too much money involved and at stake when dealing with the crime issue.

Mad Dog Out
2/21/2012 4:49:54 PM
Sui Generis says:
You can add another 4 to your list. I have a family of 7, and while my husband and I represent our younger children, my older teens have also chosen not to spend their hard earned money at Mac's until they take a pro-active approach to protecting their employees.

Mac's, you're losing customers at the speed of light. Is this really the approach you want to take here?
2/21/2012 10:15:11 PM
stuck? says:
This may just be my skewed thoughts on the matter, but I fail to see how keeping the store neat and clean affects security? Do we keep the floors clean so a crook doesnt fall and hurt himself and THEN SUE MAC's?

Why not install magnetic locks on the doors? Why not install a walk-up window for after hours or when it's dark out?

What about the silly design at the Franklin and Arthur St. Mac's where the view of the gas pumps is totally obscured and the employee's stand around in the middle of the store, completely susceptible to being surrounded by several criminals?

Having a marked security truck come around every little bit doesn't exactly help. Most people will just wait until they're gone.

Lets stop playing the blame game (or .. in fact, stop PUTTING BLAME) and work on an acceptable solution.
2/21/2012 12:22:09 PM
#justsaying says:
stuck have you or anyone that thinks these barriers are the solution actually researched their effectiveness? If not, please do so. You will see that these barriers create more of a safety issue, for both th eemployee and the customer. ZThe solution is not barriers or Mac's, the solution lies with the City Officials to engage the criminals.
2/21/2012 6:11:49 PM
DustBunny says:
That's great and all, but I still think there needs to be at least two employees on shift later in the day. There would be a lot more safety in numbers
2/21/2012 12:27:07 PM
Sui Generis says:
It's admirable that you, Mac's, have a safety model in place. What's NOT admirable is that, even when faced with evidence that your model does not work, you do nothing about it.

Thieves don't care if you store is neat and clean, or how lit up it is. That is painfully obvious. And as well trained as your employees are to be good witnesses, that is helpful after the robbery has already taken place, as are the cameras. So, what are you doing to PREVENT the robberies in the first place? And unfortunately, the answer is, absolutely nothing.

Can a Mac's employee sue the company as a victim of trauma, for not ensuring a safe work environment? I wonder if a monetary lesson is the one that will make Mac's open their eyes.
2/21/2012 12:30:38 PM
DougMyers says:
I fail to see how everyone blaming hte victim (Macs and its employees) is doing anything good.

I, for one, really don't want to see our city turned into a version of what is happening in large US cities with bullet proof class and nto human service.

It's time to tackle the issue in a public forum and not dance around the issues for fear of being called out.

I know many that have had a bad homelife that have turned out great. I also know people that had a great homelife that turned out badly. It's all about choices and those choices need consequences, not coddling.

It's really time to tackle the issues not the results. Lets focus on the criminals and not the victims here.
2/21/2012 12:45:59 PM
Delbert Grady says:
You people who blame Macs in all of this are insane.

Macs is the victim here. Do all of you blame the victims in every crime? How about rape? Is that the victims fault?

Murder? Is that the victims fault?

Yet you blame the robbery victim here?

Thats why these crimes will continue. You fail to put any blame on the perpetrators of these crimes and choose to blame the victims.

Thats mental illness if Ive ever seen it.
2/21/2012 12:52:48 PM
KnightOwl says:
The thing with Mac's is only a fingernail in the problem. THIS has been their response FOR YEARS! I don't believe everyone is blaming Mac's for the robbery occurring because they can't control what the criminal element will do... BUT... they certainly have control over finding SUITABLE solutions to providing their employees with proper security from the risks that I had to face.

It is a shame that Thunder Bay has resorted to a high demand of plexiglass windows to protect their employees but lets face facts:
-The Crime rate in Canada has dropped off from years past but Thunder Bay's has been inclining. You don't want to see Thunder Bay turned into a city like Calgery where the only solution is plexiglass but THIS IS WHAT ITS COME TOO for everyone in the city to wake up and realize whats happening in Thunder Bay!?

...It doesn't start or stop with Mac's but I feel everyones frustration with the way they've been handling their security because sooner or later and employee WILL DIE!
2/21/2012 6:36:21 PM
#justsaying says:
Hey Larry your responses are so fluid. You blame Mac's solely when others jump on the band wagen and then you switch up when others side with Mac's. Grow a set and just admit that violent crime in Thunder Bay has nothing to do with Mac's.
2/21/2012 11:15:32 PM
KnightOwl says:
HAHA!!!!!

WHERE in that response did I side with Mac's!? HAHA? I did admit that whats happening with the crime in Thunder Bay isn't Mac's fault (...you moron) but Mac's has full control over HOW THEY PROTECT THEIR EMPLOYEE'S... and right now they haven't done anything to minimize the risks.

So far, they haven't done anything! Sorry if you got the wrong impression.

Get that straight... I'm NOT on their side AT ALL. I'm incredibly frustrated with the actions they HAVEN'T taken in minimizing the risks involved in working for them...........
2/22/2012 12:13:18 PM
Delbert Grady says:
So if Macs' gets hit by an atomic bomb and an employee gets a paper cut and some ringing in the ears is it Macs' fault for not having their employees in a titanium constructed, lead lined, under 2 miles of solid granite bunker?

Face it, theyve taken more than reasonable per cautions. If the law, with their limitless budgets, manpower, resources, and all the King's men cant protect the employees, what makes you think that Macs management can?


When Macs cant get anyone to work there anymore, then perhaps they'll have no other option.

Until then, let me recite one of my favourite lines (and it applies quite often with the stories that grace this site).

Remember it, cause its real words of wisdom!

Ready now?

Are you sure?

OK.

Here it is:

"You cant be a victim if youre a volunteer!"

It applies to drug addicts, drunks, and everyone else who makes a choice that turns out to be the wrong one. If you volunteer yourself for bad situations, theres no excuse.
2/22/2012 4:40:50 PM
former says:
Agree 100%. That is why the employees should be armed. You only need to scare away one climinal for the word to get around.
2/21/2012 10:23:43 PM
N8tiveCityDweller says:
I'll say it again....I think its pretty absurd that they would put bars on the windows, when you never hear of anyone breaking into the places, but yet still won't spend the money to put there employees behind glass. What a waste of money that was !! I now see were there protection is, on there merchandise, and not there employees !!
2/21/2012 12:55:50 PM
Anonymouse says:
Creating transparent cells for people to work in isn't exactly an ideal solution. That's like waving the white flag to the criminals who are responsible for these robberies across the city.
2/21/2012 8:17:35 PM
woof! says:
And in other news...........

Two MACS stores robbed at knifepoint this past weekend......
2/21/2012 12:59:08 PM
ranma says:
So if I keep my house nice and clean and tidy, then I do not have to worry about someone breaking into it and stealing my stuff? No, it is why I have locks on my doors and ways to protect my valuables like a safe, and an alarm, etc. Yet it seems the only thing that MACS cares about is the money. The safe is time release, and they keep little of it on hand. Notice how he does not say they provide anything for the workers to keep them safe. Oh a video system..does not work when people wear masks.

Time to bring in the bubbles. Keep your employees safe, or close your stores. All you have done is been an easy target.
2/21/2012 1:33:46 PM
Gord says:
Where is the Ministry of Labour on this. It is a requirement that workplaces provide safe working environment. The jump all over construction companies if they are not providing a safe work environment - why not retail?
2/21/2012 1:49:49 PM
gremlin says:
Instead of finding fault with Macs, why not focus on the "kid-handling" of these little thieves by our "bleeding hearts" judicial system. They (thieves) know they are going to be given nothing more than a "slap-on-the-wrist" if anything @ all.

The fact is this, much of the "criminal activity" is being done by people who come from "broken families". "Most responsible people" know this.

For those looking for a "quick fix" to this (crime) problem, you're being dillusional. Until we have parents "taking their parenting seriously" all I can say is YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
2/21/2012 1:55:50 PM
buddyjoe says:
It is unfortunate that a multi-million dollar operation like Mac's won't step up and install the most obvious security measure that would in fact stop all robberies...an enclosed counter.

You can go ahead and write up all the fancy PR speeches you want....bottom line is that you only care about the bottom line.

Get real, Macs. My family and I will no longer shop at your stores or buy gas from your pumps.

Oh, and your copy paste comments just make things worse.

...idiots.
2/21/2012 2:16:42 PM
codvx87 says:
He's basically saying nothing is going to be done....

"high definition" cameras..ok My webcam trumps your security cameras. Infact MOST webcams are higher definition than your cheap dome cameras
2/21/2012 2:34:16 PM
codvx87 says:
also I agree with dustbunny; having at least two employees on night shift is a MUST.
2/21/2012 2:35:32 PM
WestfortWarrior says:
How can you possibly lay the blame on Mac's due to the actions of criminals? Yeah, they won't install bullet proof glass in their stores, electric fence or have a T-1000 on guard duty at all times! They don't care!
2/21/2012 3:58:41 PM
sandstorm says:
I haven't shopped at macs since October... not for gas, not for anything... I don't feel safe walking into any Macs store...Macs.. why don't you smarten up and take a lesson from your competition Shell... a walk up windows.. works fine!! Nobody in the store after hours, nobody out.

2/21/2012 4:36:46 PM
sandstorm says:
I haven't shopped at macs since October... not for gas, not for anything... I don't feel safe walking into any Macs store...Macs.. why don't you smarten up and take a lesson from your competition Shell... a walk up windows.. works fine!! Nobody in the store after hours, nobody out.

2/21/2012 4:37:12 PM
N250 says:
So if Macs were to fortify their locations to the extent required to deter robberies, then what?? Do people really think that's a solution? Others don't want Macs open at night - not very convenient if you ask me. How about we get to the root of the problem and deal with the people committing the crimes. Not an easy task I am sure, but in my opinion it is the only curative approach; everything else is simply a band-aid.
2/21/2012 4:51:17 PM
dohboycc says:
As a recent Dealer (like a franchise owner) of a Macs here in Thunder Bay, I can honestly say that the security program Macs trains their employees is good. If practiced it is smart and logical. However, I don't believe the policies are being practiced very well anymore. I constantly see open safes and too much cash in the tills. So maybe it's time for Macs to remind and retrain their staff of the security policies. After all, first defense is knowledge and deterrent.  That being said, I'm not sure if it matters at the present time. From my understanding an Oxy40 cost 40$ on the street, which is under the Macs 50 buck rule. Desperate times = desperate measures. They want money they'll get it, one way or another. Both stores this week were already "close early" stores. So closing earlier only means getting "hit" earlier.  I agree Macs should look into the pass through window or adding extra staff (hahaha not hsppening). Besides Macs being cheap its tough to find a Macs without a "Hiring" sign in the window already.  Perhaps, outside security company needs to be hired and posted at the stores. Safety in numbers theory.  But! You only post at certain stores, just means the other store will be targeted. And if Macs does increase security, look out cab drivers next, and then ???
It's a fun situation. 
2/21/2012 5:22:05 PM
woggy says:
The robberies used to take place late at night betwwen 3-5ish, with most normal people home safe in bed sleeping for work the next day, but now they are occuring at any time and are putting more and more peoples lives at stake. The streets are NOT safe....
2/21/2012 5:35:06 PM
KnightOwl says:
INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS RESPONSE!!!!!
2/21/2012 6:14:11 PM
#justsaying says:
Its tuff to hear the truth eh Big Larry, especially when most people don't buy into ur vigilante approach to solve issues.
2/21/2012 11:20:03 PM
spooner19 says:
Are you people for real? A store keeps getting robbed so you are blaming the store? Only in Thunder Bay. How about we start dealing with the real issue and realize there is a major crime problem here. Do you think if Mac's pulled out of Thunder Bay these criminals would say oh i am giving up my life of crime? These people don't care if Mac's is not there they will start breaking into homes to support there habits and trust me when you make it more difficult for them it's only a matter of time someone does get killed. It's time for the justice system to take a stand and start putting these people in prison or get them they help they need rather than letting them out the next day after being arrested. Blaming Mac's is ridiculous and really you want to start putting bars on stores in the city and bullet proof glass? If it has come to that there is a serious crime issue not a issue with a store that wants to do business in your city!
2/21/2012 7:14:16 PM
KnightOwl says:
No one is blaming Mac's for these crimes occurring because NO ONE can control what the criminal element will do. In the meantime, crime is escalating and the only thing Mac's has control over is with providing their employee's with the proper security. It doesn't stop or end with Mac's and I think everyone who's frustrated KNOWS THAT but understand this:

This has been Mac's response for years! If you do the research (like I have...) you could see a pattern of Mac's taking 'BABY STEPS' in minimizing the risks employee's (LIKE ME) have faced in this criminal climate of Thunder Bay & across Canada. It doesn't stop & start with Mac's but it's reprehensible in how they've been dealing with providing their employee's with the proper security. They hire experts to hire 1 security guard for 19 stores to patrol in his 'security mobile' (among other useless deterrents they have)!?

IT'S NOT WORKING! At what point do you stop taking baby steps and learn how to walk!?

THIS IS OUR FRUSTRATION...
2/22/2012 2:25:35 AM
Jimevil says:
Do you provide your workers with any type of benefit package for stress or trauma? Also I would be very curious to see the actual amounts stolen and the amounts that the Mac's franchise is filing in their insurance claims.

My family will no longer be supporting your store.
2/21/2012 8:10:17 PM
rothmich says:
My wife drives past Macs now to pick up milk from Shoppers late at night. On site security, more people in the store.

The way Shoppers Drug Marts are popping up, Macs is doomed anyway.
2/21/2012 8:40:12 PM
chezhank says:
The Stasi are controlling the posts again!


How about we give Mac's $34 million to provide policing in Thunder Bay?
2/21/2012 9:13:20 PM
#justsaying says:
Did we all hear about this incident??? Oh wait, people are too busy blaming Mac's and lose site of the real issue... CRIME IS EVERYWHERE IN THUNDER BAY!
2/21/2012 11:51:06 PM
jay-ded says:
While I realize that it is unfortunate that Mac's stores are continually targeted, the reality is, these stores are easy marks...
Since Mac's has been unwilling to provide adequate safety solutions for their employees, and since Mac's stores are continually being targeted, is it not time for the TBP to start handing Mac's a bill for every investigation related to a Mac's robbery?!?! Let's face it - Mac's can afford to implement proper safety features, so why should taxpayers have to continually pick up the bill that results from their negligence? If they aren't willing to put out the initial investment, then surely they will be more than happy to reimburse the taxpayers...
And yes, it may seem unfair to blame Mac's - but many large convenience store chains have recognized the risk that their employees incur, and have installed features to keep their employees safe. It is shameful that Mac's seems to think that their employees are disposable.
2/22/2012 2:00:15 AM
realistic1 says:
Someone PLEASE explain why this is the business owner's fault. Simple question....anyone....anyone??
2/22/2012 3:35:09 AM
KnightOwl says:
People are pissed off at their negligence!

It's their response that infuriates most of us. The people (as well as I have) have been wondering what significant changes will Mac's be doing in taking preventive measures in minimizing the risks that come with working at their stores? 27 robberies in 1 year is proof otherwise that these current security measures in place, are NOT TO WORKING! Then AGAIN, they come out and say "This is what we've been doing, etc etc" but it's the same OLD STORY, same song but different verse!

Mac's are not the cause of these robberies but they could EASILY prevent them from happening. For years, people have been advocating that some significant change has to be made before someone loses their life (robber or employee) but nothing has been done. Mac's can't control the criminal element but they can control security and right now... their employee's (like me) are left hanging out to dry with no real promise of a positive outcome.

...ppl are frustrated!
2/22/2012 12:56:15 PM
drayton lad says:
What type of insurence do these stores carry and who insures them? Joe blo guy has so many hoops to jump though to get house coverage,what type regulations cover these stores? If the insurence companys started demanding better protection for workers or quadruple premiums,things would either change or the store would close.
2/22/2012 3:38:58 AM
Random says:
Maybe it's time to identify the cause of the problem, besides the obvious, oxy's.
A breakdown of who is committing these robberies along with the court outcome. Numerous breaches?, well, post the name of the J.P or Judge releasing them.
Judges, J.P's and Crown attorny's should be elected and not appointed. If you don't have to prove why you should have the job, why would you work hard at keeping it?
It's easy to blame police, they are front line after all, but when dirt bag after dirt bag is caught, and also charged with breaching court orders, that tells you someone is seriously dropping the ball, and that someone is the court system.
Facts don't lie.
2/22/2012 9:14:23 AM
Bombers1818 says:
I have said this before, I lived in BC for a couple of years and they had a different approach to robberies. The stores would close and lock the doors at 10pm until the next morning and all business would be done through a security drawer. Cashier's stays safe inside a locked store and customers still get there late night products. I know it cuts down on impulse buying for Mac's, but better then being robbed. Time to make changes because it is only a matter of time until something happens where it is not just money that is lost.
2/22/2012 10:13:06 AM
KnightOwl says:
THIS ISN'T Mac's fault. Though everyones frustration's stems from the response in trying to PREVENT these robberies from happening because a clerk is going to die with these current security measures. Mac's has been taking these same baby steps for years so I'm sympathetic to everyone's frustration.

Mac's isn't the start & end to the problems in Thunder Bay- WE ALL KNOW THAT. Though the response from corporate, in protecting their employee's from the criminal elemate in our city, has been reprehensible! No one is blaming Mac's for the crime... people are frustrated with the lack of protection & faulty security measures that they currently have in place- that have been proven to not work! Where they spend thousands on experts that hire 1 security guard for 19 stores, or put bars on windows (where their hasn't been break in's- is that a psychological deterrent for robbers to NOT rob them?!)...

People (like me) have been looking for PREVENTIVE measures for employee safety. Still nothing
2/22/2012 12:29:42 PM
Nitesky says:
"Keeping windows free of excessive posters or signs to allow for unobstructed views." Seems that Tom Moher has never been to the store on Mountdale. The mural across all the front glass makes it impossible to see what is going on inside.
2/23/2012 8:22:09 AM
macsman says:
Reposting this link to let people know that there is more at issue with the Macs corporation than just the Robberies, the degree of selfishness of this company is ridiculous.

And for all those who were questioning about benefits or compensation to the victims of robberies/violence....there is none, you get robbed or assaulted, you get some time off, if you feel you need it/if you can afford the time off. In order to get any compensation the employee would have to wait for the robber/assaulter to get caught and go through the courts victim compensation programs. By the way Larry, was sorry to see you get kicked out of that meeting, Macs really sent a message that day huh, open forum meeting for our opinions but they kick out the most out-spoken one of us? Yeah....they really care...
2/26/2012 12:25:23 PM
Comments for this story are semi-moderated. Read our comment guideline.

Add a new comment.
You must log in to add comments.
Create a new account
Forgot password?
Log In
 
 
© 2012 Dougall Media.